CJC Honors TTC Bus Driver for Heroism

TORONTO, Canada — Geovanny Hidalgo never expected an award. But at a ceremony last week at the Wilson Station bus depot, the 40-year-old Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus driver was presented with the Canadian Jewish Congress’ (CJC) Louis Lenkinski Memorial Award, which is named for the late labour and Jewish community official and given to individuals who demonstrate “excellence and dedication in the area of human rights, community service and social justice.”

As he was driving his Bathurst Street No. 7 bus around midnight last March 15, Hidalgo happened to notice three men, one of who was wearing what he described as “white supremacist-type attire,” throwing rocks at the Chabad Midtown Jewish Community Centre, located just north of Davenport Road.

Hidalgo immediately called his dispatcher to alert the police. Within minutes, the vandals were apprehended before they could do any more damage, and they were later charged with mischief by Toronto police.

“I was surprised they’d be so stupid to do that,” Hidalgo told the media when asked what he was thinking when he saw the perpetrators.

Displaying humility, Hidalgo shrugged off his actions as not being special, and he refused to be described as a hero.

“I’d like to think that any of the other drivers out there would have done the same,” he said. “We’re the eyes of the community. We’re more than just bus drivers, we’re part of the community. So when [CJC] says they’re honouring me, basically they’re honouring all [TTC] staff and instructors who tell us what to do in these situations.”

The award ceremony took place in front of friends, colleagues and dignitaries.

Present to laud Hidalgo with prepared speeches were Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services; Gary Webster, chief general manager of the TTC; Congress CEO Bernie Farber; Lionel Lenkinski, Louis’ son; and Fredelle Brief, community relations chair of CJC, Ontario region.

“Louis Lenkinski spent his life championing rights,” Kwinter said. “Where many would have looked away, Geovanny, you chose to act… you’ve given expression to decency [and] should be proud for there is no honour in humiliating others. Thank you for your act of heroism.”

Farber, who worked under Lenkinski in the early 1980s, drew a parallel between Hidalgo and his former mentor, praising them both for their decency and morality.

“Geovanny, Louis would have liked you for the courage you displayed and your ethics,” Farber stated.

Asked if he wanted to address the Jewish community after the ceremony, Hidalgo, looking emotional, paused thoughtfully before replying, “I’m just overwhelmed. I really didn’t expect this much praise. But thank you very much.”